There are questions from every side about Rick Perry’s decision to spearhead a call to prayer that resulted in 35,000 people gathering to pray for the nation at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.
As a Christian, the primary question that crops up is this:
Was Rick Perry’s call to prayer genuine, or was he merely starting the momentum for a Presidential campaign?
Obviously, we will never know the answer to that question. Only God knows Governor Perry’s heart on the matter. It could be that the prayer event and Perry’s announcement to run for President could be a fortunate chronological coincidence. Then again, it could have been planned far in advance as a stepping stone to gain majority Republican votes. Or, honestly, it could have been an undesirable coincidence.
As soon as the question of Governor Perry’s motives pop into your head, meditate on this passage:
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Ultimately, as Paul notes, it is not our responsibility to fact check everyone’s motives. He doesn’t just choose to not complain about it. He rejoices! The Kingdom of God is going out! The gospel is being preached! The Church is achieving unity! The greater good has been served by having Christ preached and saints unified. Look at the fruit. Christians from a dozen or more denominations gathered under one roof to call out with singular purpose.
Jesus is only coming back for a pure and spotless bride.
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